The folks at Dolby Laboratory and Sony Pictures Post Production explain how to create the sounds of a convincing lightsaber duel or alien language.

Star Wars: Lightsaber

Star Wars: Lightsaber

Some of the best sound effects happen by accident. Ben Burtt, who worked as the sound designer on the original movie from a galaxy far, far away, began to create the iconic lightsaber sound by recording the hum of a film projection machine. But he wanted something a bit more convincing. One day Burtt happened to walk behind a television set while carrying an active microphone, which created a strange magnetic swoosh. He combined both sounds into one. If you watch the final duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader, you can hear the alternating swoosh and hum.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day: Nanomorphing

Terminator 2: Judgment Day: Nanomorphing

The terrifying T-1000 robot from the second Terminator movie can "nanomorph" through almost any barrier. For example, as Sarah Connor escapes from a mental hospital early in the film, the T-1000 morphs through some prison bars. In the scene, there's an odd squishing sound you might recognize. The sound effects team recorded canned dog food falling out in clumps.